Jacob Zuma is at the centre of a religious storm in South Africa after reportedly blaming the introduction Christianity in the 19th century for the continent’s current problems.
Mr Zuma, South Africa’s first Zulu president, told an event in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal that Christianity brought about “orphans” and “old-age homes” thereby destroying Africa’s traditions, according to South Africa’s Times newspaper.
“As Africans, long before the arrival of religion and [the] gospel, we had our own ways of doing things,” he said. “Those were times that the religious people refer to as dark days but we know that, during those times, there were no orphans or old-age homes. Christianity has brought along these things.” Mr Zuma’s office later issued a statement saying that his comments had been reported in a “misleading manner” and were aimed at ensuring South Africans do not neglect African culture.
“While we should embrace western culture and Christianity, we should not neglect the African ways of doing things,” said Mac Maharaj, presidency spokesman.
Categories: Africa, South Africa
well, he is not wrong in what he was saying.
Strangely, as far as ‘orphanages’ and ‘old age homes’ are concerned the ‘African tradition’ was lost, but as far as ‘polygamy’ goes, the African traditions were maintained, Christianity or not. With Mr. Zuma and his five wives as a good example.
Uncared for Ophans and old age homes is a product of a selfcentre persons. Which is not a product of the various religions in this country which teaches the opposite. Now I believe he does not read and to know these things. I will vote for an educated president in the next election who can elaborate on the gems in the african culture that will make people understand, christians and non-christian.